The fishing season will re-open for 60 days, beginning at 12:01 am 1 September, 2011 and will close at 12:01 am 31 October, 2011.
Previously, NOAA Fisheries Service closed the commercial season for 2011 on 18 June, 2011, based upon projections the 2011 quota would be met by that date.
Commercial Quota and Re-Opening
In April 2011, NOAA Fisheries Service’s Southeast Fisheries Science Centre (SEFSC) provided estimates indicating 562,172 lb of greater amberjack were harvested by the commercial sector in 2010.
Therefore, in accordance with established accountability measures, the 503,000 lb commercial quota was adjusted to 313,900 lb to account for the 189,100 lb average.
More recent and complete information provided by the SEFSC indicates final 2010 landings were 533,981 lb; 28,198 lb less than previously determined.
Therefore, NOAA Fisheries Service has published a rule to adjust the 2011 commercial quota to account for this difference, establishing a new 2011 quota of 342,098 lb.
As noted, NOAA Fisheries Service closed the commercial sector at 12:01 am 18 June, based on projections the 2011 adjusted quota would be harvested by that date.
Landings data available to date indicates the quota was not met and that 58,254 lb of the adjusted quota remain available.
When added to the additional 28,198 lb, it results in 86,452 lb of additional quota available for the 2011 season.
Based on historical catch rates, NOAA Fisheries Service projects the remaining 86,452 lb will be harvested in 60 days.
Amberjack Quota Increased & Re-opening Announced
US - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service has published a rule increasing the commercial quota for greater amberjack to 342,098 pounds and is re-opening the commercial fishing season.
